Knowing when it is time is one of the hardest decisions.
Signs Often Include
- Increased confusion
- Safety concerns
- Family burnout
- Need for sociability
Smaller homes can make this transition feel less overwhelming. Before you move your loved one, there are things you can do. First, have your loved one evaluated with a medical assessment to determine how far the disease may have progressed and which type of Alzheimer’s it may be. This is helpful in knowing how best to care for your loved one. Second, reduce obstacles in your home that may pose risks — for safety’s sake: remove extraneous items from floors, such as loose wires and carpets not tacked down, to reduce fall risks. Take the knobs off your stove, and put up chimes and a ring camera on your doors. Even though your loved one may not be wandering now, things can change suddenly and become dangerous. You can also hire part-time help at home and send your loved one to day programs if there is someone at night to take care of them. These steps will save money now that may be needed later for longer-term care.
The next step is to visit care homes — see if the people look happy, and talk to other family members about their concerns. Then rule each home in or out. If you fall in love with one, it is never too early to put yourself on a waiting list. If you are not ready when a spot opens, they will call you when the next one does. Do not wait until a hospital stay or a broken hip forces you to find a home immediately. Be prepared. It can be a long journey.
Across Fairfield County, New Haven Counties, and The Valley, more families are exploring this model as an alternative to traditional facilities. Just Like Home, LLC is a huge advocate for small homes for people with dementia. We are the only two homes at present in the state of Connecticut. Come see the difference for your loved one.